Hyderabad: The Telangana Cricket Association (TCA) on Friday formally approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India, urging immediate intervention to halt the proposed T20 league announced by the Hyderabad Cricket Association, citing alleged violations of governing rules and ongoing judicial proceedings.
In a detailed representation addressed to the Chairman of the IPL Governing Council and the BCCI Chief Executive Officer, the TCA requested that the HCA’s proposed “TG20 League” be stopped or kept in abeyance. The association contended that the move to launch the league — projected as a Premier League-style tournament — is in “blatant disregard” of binding directions issued by the BCCI, as well as legal matters currently pending before the courts.
According to an official statement released by TCA General Secretary Dhaaram Guruva Reddy, the HCA’s recent actions — including the unilateral launch of the league logo, initiation of the franchise Expression of Interest (EOI) process, and announcement of a governing council — were carried out without consultation or collaboration with the TCA. He described these steps as a “wilful violation” of a BCCI order dated July 11, 2021.
Reddy further alleged that these developments represent a deliberate attempt to create a fait accompli at a time when a related matter, Writ Petition No. 3678/2023 (TCA vs BCCI & HCA), remains sub judice before the Bombay High Court. The petition is currently awaiting final orders.
The TCA also raised concerns over what it termed as HCA’s “calculated move” to expand into Telangana’s district-level cricket ecosystem through the proposed league. The association claimed that such an attempt could potentially encroach upon a grassroots structure that it has developed and administered over the past 12 years. It warned that this could lead to governance issues, financial irregularities, and the marginalisation of deserving local talent.
In its representation, the TCA argued that the TG20 League appears to be an unapproved tournament, prima facie in violation of key provisions of the BCCI Constitution — specifically Rules 28, 30, and 31. It further pointed out that the proposal allegedly contravenes BCCI advisories governing the conduct of state-level T20 leagues, which prohibit the organisation of such tournaments during the Indian Premier League window, including a mandatory 15-day buffer period before and after the IPL.
The association emphasized that under Rule 30 of the BCCI Constitution, prior written approval from the board is mandatory for conducting any such tournament. Additionally, Rule 31 stipulates that participation in unapproved tournaments can invite strict disciplinary action against players, officials, and other stakeholders, including suspension and withholding of financial benefits to the hosting association.
Highlighting the potential fallout, the TCA cautioned that the HCA’s actions could expose young cricketers, coaches, umpires, and officials from Telangana to serious career risks. “Such reckless conduct undermines the integrity, discipline, and uniform governance framework established by the BCCI,” the statement said.
Reddy also accused the HCA of acting in “institutional bad faith,” alleging procedural illegality and ethical misconduct. He claimed that the initiative was aimed at capturing Telangana’s district cricket framework through a commercially driven league rather than through genuine developmental efforts.
The TCA has urged the BCCI to take immediate steps, including restraining the HCA from proceeding with the TG20 League, directing the association to produce prior written approvals and evidence of authorization from its General Body or Annual General Meeting, and declaring the tournament unapproved if such clearances are absent.
Further, the TCA has called for ensuring that no statewide T20 league in the name of Telangana is conducted without a transparent, inclusive, and legally compliant framework. It stressed the need for rightful participation of district-level players affiliated with the TCA and adequate representation of the association within any governing structure overseeing such a league.
Warning of further escalation, the TCA stated that failure on the part of the BCCI to intervene urgently would leave it with no option but to initiate appropriate legal proceedings. The association said it remains committed to safeguarding the interests of Telangana cricket and upholding the rule of law in cricket administration.
